Love, AFRICA Short Term Volunteer opportunities for everyone
Message from the VMM Chair and our CEO
O
f all the travelling experiences you could choose, the opportunity to volunteer in Africa is truly special. It’s a chance to look
at life from a completely different perspective, to learn and share your skills and knowledge in a way that benefits yourself and others. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, then why not take the next step and volunteer with us? You don’t have to be a professional with years of experience to become a short-term volunteer with VMM. You just have to be ready for a journey that really will change your life and those of
the people you meet. We work on all kinds of projects across the continent from educational initiatives to building and engineering works and all of our volunteer placements are for the benefit of the community and the partner organisation. VMM have strong Child Safeguarding measures in place which is important part of all of our development aid work and projects. Whatever you do with us, we’re sure it will inspire you through your lifetime and in whatever career you choose. As Chair and CEO of VMM, we have met some of the most inspiring and dedicated people of our lives. It really has been like entering another world where making a difference is far more important than talking about it. If you’re looking for something that makes life a little better for someone else, we hope to meet you soon. Best wishes John Denny, CEO & Doug Nesbit, Chair 2
These
unique
illustrations
of
East
Africa
were
on
the
walls
of
Kitarasa
Primary School at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains in Fort Portal, Uganda. Permission to publish these unique paintings was kindly given by Deputy Head teacher Grace.
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who are vmm? VMM are an international development and volunteering organisation. Our vision is to help create ‘a world where we live in the shelter of one another’. Our mission is ‘to share who we are and not just what we have’, and we have a great time doing what we do. We have placed thousands of volunteers throughout Africa, Asia and South America, which has led to astonishing results for communities and for the volunteers themselves. We help volunteers of all ages to step into communities and get stuck into projects of real value to local people and our partnerships are with strong and wellestablished organisations. We currently work in nine African countries, contributing to the International Sustainable Development Goals. We work to help our community-based partners in Africa take care of the needs that local people tell us are most important to them. Projects tend to cover education, human rights, advocacy, women’s and children’s
Teaching Placements and Teaching Assistants VMM have multiple opportunities for teachers and teaching assistants in primary and secondary schools, university and vocational training in Malawi, Uganda, Kenya . Qualified teachers are in high demand and provide much needed guidance in addition to teaching. Teachers can assist the school in areas such as lesson planning, or teacher training, one-toone help for the students. Teaching assistants can also help in the preparation of lessons and a range of after-school learning activities such as homework clubs, sports, arts and crafts and drama classes. Schools can be very basic and have limited facilities and volunteers will witness the joy and appreciation children have for education, overcoming any obstacle to go to school. At times, VMM receives a request for teachers in specialised disciplines. Subscribe to our newsletter and Twitter for announcements.
rights, health and community development initiatives and we have partnerships with civic, community and church organisations. VMM are a faith group who maintain an all-inclusive organisation and welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, regardless of religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or political affiliation. 4
child Safeguarding and Positi ve Discipline This project is rolled out to schools in East Africa to promote children’s rights and bring an end to corporal punishment. VMM Safeguarding Mentors visit schools
training staff to create a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults. For more information visit http://www.vmminternational.org/ safeguarding-project .
Funding for Primary School teachers in I reland Irish primary school teachers can avail of funding from the INTO towards the cost of their overseas volunteering under their Solidarity Fund. It also provides much needed capital expenditure funds for schools. To download an application form, please go to INTO Solidarity Fund page on www.INTO.ie
CONSTRUCTION
Agriculture and Environmental VMM partners with several community organisations in countries such as Uganda, Malawi and Kenya, who are working on vital projects involving food security and sustainability, rain-water harvesting, drought relief and crop rotation. Some projects have been able to provide livestock such as cows and goats to the community as well as seeds for cultivation. Another project responds to deforestation as a result of the demand for firewood. In addition, we have projects including tree nurseries, reclaiming land and micro-environmental agri–schemes and income generation projects. Water pump installed on the seed cultivation farm in Kenya, August 2017
Our partners in construction rarely just work in construction but work to deliver renovation and services to schools and health centres in the area and surrounding districts. Interventions consist of a wide range of activities, allowing volunteers with many different skills to help out. Such activities involve foundation and brick laying, plastering, installation of metal windows and doors, black boards, concrete floors, ceilings, latrines and hand washing facilities, painting and water harvesting. Volunteers have the chance to work with local tradesmen to share and learn skills. Not only are our partners looking for skilled tradespeople to volunteer, but they encourage others who are happy to get involved and work hard as labourers to join their projects. 5
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research options
HUMAN RIGHTS AND ADVOCACY
Academics can avail of research placements in areas such as child protection, human rights, innovative health technologies, communicable and non-communicable diseases, HIV and AIDS, youth protection, gender empowerment and much more. We will ensure that the placement is the proper fit and will assist in the production of quality research. You will have the opportunity to meet people who are actively engaging in specific research areas who are continually striving to enhance the qualify of life for others. If you or your education department have a specific area you wish to research independently or as part of an academic programme, please email Fiona at shortterm@vmminternational.org to discuss your requirements.
VMM partners with several organisations who work in and campaign for the human rights and dignity of others. Projects include girl empowerment, gender equality and children’s rights. Partners also work to combat human trafficking. Creating awareness of trafficking and modern day slavery, they identify and assist the victims of human trafficking and work towards prosecution of perpetrators. They remain dedicated to ending human trafficking. “The RCRA is very helpful to make sure that I have all that I need. I keep remembering what VMM told us that you help volunteers find organisations that will match their needs. My host organisation has really understood that. Whoever comes here next will have a wonderful experience.” VMM volunteer, Sr Odile Ntakirutimana, explaining Child Protection in Kasese, June 2017
IT Placements
On your weekends off, you might see this lovely lady in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda
VMM are delighted to offer IT placements in beautiful Malawi. If you have skills in networking, website design, knowledge of Microsoft or Linux programmes or you are a computer repair technician, this is the ideal placement for you. As this particular placement requires specific skills, we require your CV in addition to our application form. Please email please email Fiona at shortterm@vmminternational.org for further information.
Children from St Noa’s primary school in Nansana pictured with teacher Stephen and Vollo the VMM volunteer dog!
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vmm's founder edwina Gateley
Bespoke placements for Everyone
“It is not a matter of charity or good deeds. It is a basic obligation to justice. What we have to offer is what we have been given freely. We live with the people. We become part of the people. Our sharing becomes a journey we walk together towards liberation, community and reaching out together for growth and fulfilment.” Edwina Gateley, VMM founder. Edwina’s life has been described by Publisher’s Weekly as “fascinating – an exceptional blend of contemplation and action.” Edwina gives talks, conferences and retreats in the United States, as well as internationally while continuing to reach out to women in recovery from drugs and prostitution.
VMM are uniquely placed to arrange bespoke placements for people looking to volunteer from one month up to six months, to meet their specific requirements, expertise or interests which will positively contribute to a project overseas. Additionally, these tailormade placements are ideal for individuals looking to improve skills and gain specific experience in volunteering and development work. Please contact Fiona at shortterm@vmminternational.org for more information.
Children from St Noa’ s primary school in Nansana, watching netball practice, July 2016
FAQ WHAT MAKES THE VMM SHORTTERM PROGRAMME DIFFERENT? The VMM short-term volunteer programme is designed to assist anyone and everyone to volunteer. You choose where, when and how long you go on placement. VMM realises that people wish to volunteer abroad but their commitments don’t fit into set timetables. So we want to give you the opportunity to help others without the confines of strict dates.
WHEN CAN I GO? The programme runs all year round, so you can choose whenever you want to go (if you are looking to volunteer in a school, term dates will have to be considered).
IS IT ONLY FOR STUDENTS OR PROFESSIONALS? Absolutely not, whether you are a full time parent, builder, accountant, counter staff at the supermarket, dog walker, lawyer, golfer, student, artist, working or retired we have partners that
would love to have you. What VMM requires is compassion, honesty, the desire to contribute to quality living of others, respect for human beings and a whole lot of enthusiasm to make the most your placement .
WHAT IF I WANT TO DO SOMETHING THAT'S NOT LISTED IN THE PROGRAMMES? We can organise a bespoke placement to suit your requirements. All you have to do is tell us what your particular area of interest/speciality is and we will source a suitable placement for you with one of our partner organisations to ensure the best use of your skills to benefit the hots organisations’ projects and programmes.
HOW LONG ARE THE PLACEMENTS? We have placements available from two weeks up to six months.
WILL I HAVE TIME TO EXPLORE OR GO ON TRIPS, MAYBE EVEN A SAFARI? You have your weekends free and your team leader will advise you on what’s available in the area.
The 2017 under 14 netball champions from St Noa’s in Nansana, with help from Teacher 9
What your fundraising covers
Support: all volunteers receive around the clock support before, during and after placement from VMM, our partner
Volunteers are required to fundraise for
organisations and our long term volunteers
VMM in order to take part on one of our
in the field.
placements. We provide a great deal of
Debriefing: all returned volunteers
support to help you reach your target.
receive operational and personal debriefing.
A typical one month volunteer will be
Flights, visa fees and vaccinations and any
asked to raise ÂŁ1600 or the equivalent in
other costs are not covered and are
Euro, depending on the placement, location
your responsibility to organise.
and duration. This covers Accommodation: all our placements include safe and secure accommodation in
Father and daughter team, Jerry and Liz Kinane, who volunteered in Kenya for four weeks in summer 2017
the volunteering country. Meals: The majority of placements provide all meals five days per week and some will have facilities for you to cook Insurance: VMM provide comprehensive travel insurance for all volunteers going overseas. This insurance is extremely high quality. Training: all volunteers will receive two days training prior to departure and on-site orientation on arrival. Training is run in Ireland and the UK and you will have the opportunity to meet other volunteers. Placement: your placement is fully organised by VMM in conjunction with the partner organisation and all duties/ activities to be carried out by volunteers are clearly set out. Airport transfers in country are also provided. 10
To register your interest and start the process, get in touch with Fiona at shortterm@vmminternational.org or call +353(0)1 8734562 in Ireland or +44 151 2913438 in the UK
Many schools grow crops for their school lunches. Â This healthy crop is at Kitarasa Primary School in Fort Portal Uganda, August 2017.
Care Givers receiving books from a partner organisation to help with their children ‘s education, Hima, Kasese, 2017
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or further information on how to secure a short term volunteer placement get in touch with Fiona at: shortterm@vmminternational.org 00353 (0)1 8734 562 IE 0044 151 2913438 UK www.vmminternational.org @VMM_Int VMM International Charity Registration No: CHY9552 (Ireland) 1078695 (England & Wales) and SCO42896 (Scotland)
VMM are members of Keeping Children Safe and proud signatories of the Comhlรกmh Code of Good Practice and the Dรณchas Code of Conduct on Images & Messages.
Edited by Filomena Violante